Geno Smith resurrected his career in true Hollywood level fashion last year. His 2022 season overall, was pretty special, nobody really could have seen this coming. The question is, can Smith have another solid season in 2023? Defenses will no longer be surprised by Smith!
Heading into the 2022 season most people including myself, pretty much completely forgot Geno Smith was an NFL QB.
Ok, maybe that's an exaggeration, but only slightly.
Geno Smith began his career as a second round draft pick by the New York Jets in 2013. He actually started his entire rookie season and went 8-8 with the Jets! Which, for a rookie, is not bad at all. But his stats were pretty bad, and he did look a bit aloof and just lost out there in my opinion. Then he started the majority of his second year, but the Jets stunk and Geno really did not improve much, and it seemed that Geno's starting days were over.
Geno seemed solidified as a career backup QB in my eyes and in most people's eyes until 2021 when Russell Wilson got injured late in the season and Geno showed he had some life.
In 2022 Smith earned a starting spot and played significantly better than most people thought he was capable of. Hilariously, Smith actually BEAT Russell Wilson in the very first game of the season after Russ pretty much requested a trade. I mean, talk about a flex for Smith and the Seahawks.
Smith eventually led the Seahawks to a winning record of 9-8 AND to the playoffs. He had a pretty dang good season statistically, throwing for 4,282 yards with 30 TD - 11 INT, and rushed for 366 more yards. He also had a very strong 100.9 QB Rating and led the NFL in completion percentage, completing a pass 69.8% of the time! Nearly 70%! I mean it's a pretty sweet underdog story. His ninth season in the league and Smith seems reborn as a pro. He even was named a Pro Bowler and NFL Comeback Player of the Year!
His playstyle is honestly similar to Deshaun Watson or Ryan Tannehill. Strong arm, mobile yet comfortable and solid in the pocket. Big dude, good feel for the game in general. Just a baller really, competitive. Solid enough leader from what I can tell.
I was very happy to see Smith succeed last season, AND he also earned a nice payday with the Seahawks as well. His three year contract is sort of confusing, but it seems he's getting at least $40 million in guarantees. Love to see it for a guy in the league as long as he has been.
Now, arguably the bigger test starts in 2023 for Geno Smith. Yes he had a strong campaign in 2022, but now with a full season of this newer and improved Geno Smith on tape, teams will be more prepared than ever to face him.
I tend to believe Smith will have a similar season in 2023. Sure, this is Geno's lone above average season in his career, but I feel like Geno is likely still very motivated. Plus, even though Geno hasn't started a bunch, he's still seen plenty of football overall, I think he's prepared to do well again. It may have been back in 2013 and 2014, but those seasons are still valuable for Smith. This will be basically his fourth season starting. Like I said with Goff, some players develop at different rates!!!
Smith is an intriguing guy, and only turns 32 this season. I look forward to seeing what he can do next year, as long as he doesn't get in the Titans way I'll be rooting for him.
